Kawhia Shipping.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 320, 19 July 1907, Page 2

Kawhia Shipping.

PUBLIC MEETING. In response to an advertisement in our lat issue ala rge number attended at Scott’s hall cn Saturday evening last. Mr W. A. Mason, J.P , presided, and there were also • present—Messrs Elliott, W, Davies, T. B. Scott, A. Wright. H Armstrong, Mackenzie (Oparau), Morris (Kawacoa). Williams (Aotei), Turrell, W. Berg, G. Wright, Bircombf.’, Pickering, W. H. Armstrong, Mason, Pettiv (Kawhiaj, J. E, Scott, M’Donald (K hohaku), and Neilson (Waiharakeke). The meeting was convened by Mr T. D. H ■ miltop, but unfortunately that genlte•’nn cou’.l act r'’ ■: it ow'ng toill-health Mr Pettit'reat ktors Ir.jm an Auckland fi.nionthe subject, io which they stated th it if the settlors and busint, speople took shares sufficient to fe israntee their support, they would invest £2OOO end put on a good fast boat, charging low freights end minimum passage money.

Mr C. K. Morris Baid that he had recent ly returned from Wellington, and whilst there had iu -erested himself in the matter. He had seen several companies, and one firm (Messrs Hull and M-Arfrur) ware prepared to run a steam service between Wellington, Kawhia and Ouehunga, landing cargjhere from the fiwt-namud port for 15s per ton • They required a guaranty a of 50 tons of cargo Mr Turrel: They could not get it. Mr Morris: That remains to be seen. "Mr-Turrel: It is very seldom there is 50 tons of cargo. There might be that amount to-night.,.. Mr Morris : They are prepared to run the boat every 10 days, once a month, er whenever required. There is no stipulation as to taking shares. The boat would carry 300 teas, Mr Mackenzie : If ’t was a monthly service they could get 50 tons. We can buy much cheaper in Wellington. Mr Morris : Yes; and it is a better place to sell olir produce in, more particularly wool, as Continental buyers go there, but they don’t touch Auckland. The firm are anxious to compote for business and said that if thi taade warranted it they would put on a suitable boat. Mr Mackenzie recognised that there would be a large increase of both imports and exports shortly. Mr Morris : -Theis wore 234 baleiof wool sent out last year and this season it should reach 400.

The chairman said that it seemei to him that the mutter was well worth considering

Mr C, Williams enquired as to the guarataee of 50 tons. Would that include outgoing cargo ?

Mr Morris replied that the guarantee named was only for the first trip. Mr Williams thought that it was for every trip The chairman said that the offer of the Auckland firm was not worth considering. Mr Turrel remarked that a fortnightly service might suit the settlers, but not the business people. The chairman : It will not mean that the Northern Steamship Company will discontinue running. Messrs Morris, A. Wright and J, E, Scott agreed that Southern markets were better than Auckland

Mr Mackenzie said that that afternoon there had been a meeting of the Oparau Farmers’ Union, and the members were agreed that they wanted a boat from Wellington. They knew the difference in the prices and would all patronise Wellington. The boat must start, and peraonally he did not care to be tied to Auckland. Aucklanders had not enough go in them to go out into the backblocks.

On the suggestion of the Chairman, Mr Mackenzie moved, and Mr Morris seconded —“ That the district be canvassed with a view of supporting a steamer running from Wellington.” Mr J. E. Scett said that more information should be obtained, so that something definate could be put before the settlers. More support would be forthcoming for a weekly service than fora monthly. It was agreed to ask for a monthly service for a start.

Mr Turrell: That will not suit the business people, Mr Mackenzie : It will be a start. If we get direct communication with Wellington it will be an inducement for people from there with capital to come here. Mr Morris: If the sirvioe ie commenced we will soon have the Wellington agents here.

The following people are to be asked to canvass the district: —Oparau, Mr Mackenzie ; Kinouaku, Mr Scott; Awaroa, Mr H, Babbage ; Mr Mason, Kawhia ; Mr Lo Prou, Te Rau a-moa.

Mr Williams: Would the boat run from hare to Onehunga ?

Mr Morris : Yes, and also cril in on the return trip if necessary. The present idea was to pick up the Wellington cargo on the trip north, and then on to Wellington, The only guarantee that ie wanted is 50 tons of cargo for the first trip. The boat the firm intend to put on has no passenger accommodation.

Mr Morris was appointed secretary pro, tern. to.make further enquiries. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr Morris for the trouble he had gone to in the matter, abd also to the chairman